Sedans vs SUVs: Which Car is Best in Terms of Features, Mileage, and Price? Which One Offers a More Comfortable Drive?

New Delhi: In India, many people consider whether to buy an SUV or a Sedan before purchasing a car. While the craze for SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) is growing day by day, Sedans are still known for their style, ride quality, and performance. Keeping that in mind, here we’ll explain the differences between the two and help you understand which type of car is better suited to your needs.

1. Body Type and Ground Clearance

SUV:
SUVs have a taller body and ground clearance ranging from 180mm to 220mm. Because of this, they can easily handle rough roads, potholes, and speed breakers. Most SUVs are based on a body-on-frame chassis, which makes them more durable and off-road friendly.

Sedan:

Compared to SUVs, sedans have a ground clearance of around 150mm to 180mm. They are usually based on a monocoque chassis, making them lighter, more fuel-efficient, and more stable at high speeds.

2. Performance and Driving Dynamics

SUV:
SUVs typically use high-torque engines that generate more power, especially useful on highways or off-road. However, due to their higher center of gravity, they are less stable at high speeds.

Sedan:
Sedans have a lower center of gravity and aerodynamic design, offering better handling and stability. They provide better grip and ride quality, especially while cornering, compared to SUVs.

3. Mileage and Maintenance

SUV:
SUVs are heavier and have larger tires, which leads to lower mileage (13–18 kmpl). Maintenance costs are also higher.

Sedan:
Thanks to their lightweight and aerodynamic design, sedans offer better mileage (16–22 kmpl). They are also more economical to maintain than SUVs.

4. Space and Comfort

SUV:
SUVs come with larger suspension systems and bigger windows, giving a feel of a large vehicle. Their high seating position is especially comfortable for elderly passengers. Many SUVs are equipped with features like rear AC vents, sunroofs, and ventilated seats.

Sedan:
In the C and D segments, sedans offer excellent rear legroom and boot space, making the ride very comfortable for rear-seat passengers. Some sedans even offer up to 500 liters of boot space.

5. Features and Technology

In recent times, both segments come equipped with modern features like ADAS, digital instrument clusters, 360-degree cameras, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and connected car technology. However, due to their size and premium appeal, SUVs often come with more features.

6. Safety Features

Both SUV and sedan segments now come with ample safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill-hold, and traction control. Despite this, people tend to perceive SUVs as safer due to their taller bodies and stronger chassis. However, actual safety should be judged based on safety ratings.